Akron/Family — Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free

Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free

Dead Oceans/Sonic Unyon

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

05/08/2009 4:48pm

This album will have an immediate impact. It will either move you or confuse you.

If you're not attentive when you throw Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free in your stereo, the thundering drums and wailing guitar solos of its opening track might fool you into thinking you've accidentally put on Black Mountain's In The Future. Taking 2007's Love Is Simple into consideration, "Everyone Is Guilty" is the last way you'd expect Akron/Family's fourth album to start. But it definitely shocks you into paying attention.

Aside from a couple of mid-album freak-outs and the Born Ruffians-like "They Will Appear," the remainder of Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free leans towards the softer, folky side of Akron/Family that we've become accustomed to. Closing number "Last Year," while short and simple, is the disc's most memorable song and perhaps one of the best tracks Akron/Family have ever put on record.

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